Search Results (327)

The present work set out to examine the antidiabetic capacity of Abelmoschus esculentus (okra) fruit extract through a combined experimental and computational framework. Enzyme inhibition assays were carried out against four metabolic targets, and IC₅₀ values stood at 7.66 ± 0.31 mg/mL for alpha-glucosidase, 5.21 ± 0.18 mg/mL for alpha-amylase, 2.11 ± 0.15 microg/mL for DPP-4, and 9.17 ± 0.54 mg/mL for pancreatic lipase. The extract showed moderate-to-weak activity relative to standard inhibitors acarbose, sitagliptin, and orlistat. Sixteen drug-like phytochemicals obtained from the IMPPAT 2.0 database were docked against the crystal structures of all four tested enzymes (PDB: 8CB1, 5E0F, 2ONC, 1LPB). Alpha-Carotene, Vitamin E, and Spiraeoside emerged as the top-ranked compounds across all targets, with alpha-Carotene recording the strongest binding affinity of −11.1 kcal/mol against pancreatic lipase, which was 4.2 kcal/mol more negative than the positive control orlistat (−6.9 kcal/mol). PLIP-based interaction profiling mapped out hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic contacts, pi-stacking, and salt bridges at the atomic level. Absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) and toxicity screening of alpha-Carotene returned a favourable pharmacokinetic profile with predicted LD₅₀ of 1510 mg/kg (Class 4) and inactivity across most toxicity endpoints. A 100 ns molecular dynamics simulation of the pancreatic lipase-alpha–Carotene complex, alongside the orlistat control, showed stable root mean square deviation (RMSD) (0.15–0.22 nm), a consistent Rg (~1.97 nm), and sustained hydrogen bonding throughout the trajectory. Free-energy landscape analysis revealed a well-defined single energy basin for alpha-Carotene, suggesting a thermodynamically stable binding conformation. These findings lay the molecular basis for using okra phytochemicals as adjunctive agents in diabetes management, though in vivo validation remains necessary. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dental anxiety is a common clinical problem that negatively affects patient cooperation, treatment acceptance, and physiological stability during dental procedures. This randomized controlled clinical trial study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of music-based interventions in reducing dental anxiety and stress responses during restorative dental treatment. The null hypothesis was that music exposure would not result in significant differences in anxiety levels or physiological stress parameters compared with standard dental care. Methods: Seventy-five patients with moderate to high pre-treatment dental anxiety (MDAS ≥10) were randomly assigned to three groups: classical music, Turkish music, and control (no music) (n = 25 per group). Anxiety levels were assessed using the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS). Restorations were performed using a standardized adhesive protocol. Physiological parameters, including systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), heart rate (HR), and oxygen saturation (SpO₂), as well as salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels, were measured before and after restorative treatment. Salivary cortisol and amylase levels were measured using a Human ELISA Kit. Statistical analysis was performed using paired t-tests and one-way ANOVA with Tukey’s post hoc test (p < 0.05). Results: Both music groups showed significant reductions in SBP, DBP, HR, cortisol, amylase, and MDAS scores compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Oxygen saturation increased significantly in the music groups, whereas it decreased significantly in the control group. There were no significant differences between classical and Turkish music regarding their anxiety-reducing effects. Conclusions: Music-based interventions effectively reduce dental anxiety and physiological stress during restorative dental procedures. This study is novel in simultaneously evaluating subjective anxiety scores and multiple physiological and biochemical stress markers in adult patients undergoing restorative treatment, supporting music as a simple and non-invasive adjunct in clinical dentistry. Full article

In this study, we describe a non-invasive approach to objectively assess fragrance-induced emotions using multiplex salivary biomarker profiling. Traditional self-reports, physiological monitoring, and neuroimaging remain limited by subjectivity, invasiveness, or poor temporal resolution. Saliva offers an advantageous alternative, reflecting rapid neuroendocrine changes linked to emotional states. We combined four key salivary biomarkers, cortisol, alpha-amylase, dehydroepiandrosterone, and oxytocin, to capture multidimensional emotional responses. Two clinical studies (n = 30, n = 63) and one user study (n = 80) exposed volunteers to six fragrances, with saliva collected before and 5 and 20 min after olfactory stimulation. Subjective emotional ratings were also obtained through questionnaires or an implicit approach. Rigorous analytical validation accounted for circadian variation and sample stability. Biomarker patterns revealed fragrance-induced emotional profiles, highlighting subgroups of participants whose biomarker dynamics correlated with particular emotional states. Increased oxytocin and decreased cortisol levels aligned with happiness and relaxation; in comparison, distinct biomarker combinations were associated with confidence or dynamism. Classification and Regression Trees (CART) analysis results demonstrated high sensitivity for detecting these profiles. Validation in an independent cohort using an implicit association test confirmed concordance between molecular profiles and behavioral measures, underscoring the robustness of this method. Our findings establish salivary biomarker profiling as an objective tool for decoding real-time emotional responses. Beyond advancing affective neuroscience, this approach holds translational potential in personalized fragrance design, sensory marketing, and therapeutic applications for stress-related disorders. Full article

This study investigates whether fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) can alleviate gut microbiota dysbiosis induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) through modulation of fatty acid metabolism, competition for nutrients, production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), and restoration of mucus layer integrity. To elucidate the mechanisms by which FMT regulates colonic microbial function and host metabolic responses, 80 male Bal b/c mice were randomly assigned to four experimental groups (n = 20 per group): Normal Diet Group (NDG), High-Fat Diet Group (HDG), Restrictive Diet Group (RDG), and HDG recipients of NDG-derived fecal microbiota (FMT group). The intervention lasted for 12 weeks, during which body weight was monitored biweekly. At the end of the experiment, tissue and fecal samples were collected to assess digestive enzyme activities, intestinal histomorphology, gene expression related to gut barrier function, and gut microbiota composition via 16S rRNA gene sequencing. Results showed that mice in the HDG exhibited significantly higher final body weight and greater weight gain compared to those in the NDG and RDG (p < 0.05). Notably, FMT treatment markedly attenuated HFD-induced weight gain (p < 0.05), reducing it to levels comparable with the NDG (p > 0.05). While HFD significantly elevated the activities of α-amylase and trypsin (p < 0.05), FMT supplementation effectively suppressed these enzymatic activities (p < 0.05). Moreover, FMT ameliorated HFD-induced intestinal architectural damage, as evidenced by significant increases in villus height and the villus height-to-crypt depth ratio (V/C) (p < 0.05). At the molecular level, FMT significantly downregulated the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-1α, TNF-α) and upregulated key tight junction proteins (Occludin, Claudin-1, ZO-1) and mucin-2 (MUC2) relative to the HDG (p < 0.05). 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated that FMT substantially increased the abundance of beneficial genera such as Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium while reducing opportunistic pathogens including Romboutsia (p < 0.05). Furthermore, alpha diversity indices (Chao1 and ACE) were significantly higher in the FMT group than in all other groups (p < 0.05), indicating enhanced microbial richness and community stability. Functional prediction using PICRUSt2 revealed that FMT-enriched metabolic pathways (particularly those associated with SCFA production) and enhanced gut barrier-related functions. Collectively, this study deepens our understanding of host–microbe interactions under HFD-induced metabolic stress and provides mechanistic insights into how FMT restores gut homeostasis, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic strategy for diet-induced dysbiosis and associated metabolic disorders. Full article

Greenly synthesised Ni-doped Ag nanoparticles utilising Caralluma umbellata root extracts, and an investigation into their optical properties, biological properties, and characterisation, is the focus of the study. Characterisation was performed using FTIR analysis, UV-Vis, X-ray diffraction, and field emission scanning electron microscopy. The synthesis of Ni-doped Ag nanoparticles was confirmed through UV-Vis spectroscopy, revealing a peak at 396 nm and a band gap energy of 3.24 eV. XRD analysis revealed a face-centred cubic structure with a crystallite size of 55.22 nm (as-prepared) and 18.56 nm (annealed at 200 °C). Reduction and capping were demonstrated by FTIR, as evidenced by the presence of phytochemicals. The Ag NPs demonstrated potent antibacterial activity against both Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria, with a minimal inhibitory concentration of 1.25 μg/mL observed against Streptococcus mutans. Their vigorous anti-oxidant activity, as well as in vitro anti-diabetic potential through alpha-amylase and alpha-glucosidase inhibition, also proves suitable for biomedical applications. Full article

Background: Patients with dental phobia frequently require intravenous sedation (IVS) to undergo dental treatment; however, some can gradually discontinue IVS through repeated clinical experiences. The physiological and psychological factors influencing successful IVS withdrawal remain unclear. This study aimed to compare physiological (sAA, HR) and subjective (VAS) measures between patients who discontinued IVS and those who remained dependent on IVS. Methods: This prospective cohort study included 51 patients with dental phobia treated under IVS. Participants were classified into a Non-Sedation Group (NSG; n = 25) and a Sedation-Dependent Group (SDG; n = 26) based on their ability to discontinue IVS during the course of treatment. Salivary alpha-amylase (sAA), heart rate (HR), and visual analog scale (VAS) scores for fear, tension, and anxiety were assessed at predefined time points from the waiting room to venous cannulation. Treatment satisfaction and expectations for future treatment were also evaluated. Results: sAA activity was significantly higher in the SDG than in the NSG at T0 and T1 (p < 0.05), indicating higher levels of selected physiological measures during anticipatory phases; however, the difference at T2 was not significant. HR differed significantly only in the waiting room, whereas no between-group differences were observed in self-reported VAS scores for fear, tension, or anxiety at any time point, indicating a dissociation between physiological and subjective stress measures. Treatment satisfaction and expectations for future treatment were significantly higher in the SDG. Conclusions: Patients who remained dependent on IVS showed higher levels in selected physiological measures at the group level during anticipatory stages, whereas no corresponding differences were observed in self-reported subjective measures. These findings are exploratory and descriptive in nature and do not imply predictive or causal relationships. Full article

The transition to a circular economy and the pursuit of environmental sustainability are driving humanity to develop alternative technologies for producing a range of bioproducts. In this context, microbial-mediated fermentation processes have gained prominence. Although yeasts are well known for their ability to produce alcohols, they can also generate a wide range of value-added bioproducts. At the same time, microalgae emerge as an advantageous unconventional raw material, as their cultivation does not require arable land, thus avoiding competition with food production. To meet this demand, this study aimed to produce biocomposites through submerged fermentation using biomass from the microalgae Chlorella sp. Enzymatic hydrolysis was optimized using a 2² Central Composite Rotational Design (CCRD), with algal biomass and enzyme mass as independent variables. This step was followed by fermentation with the yeast Wickerhamomyces sp. UFFS-CE-3.1.2. The enzyme alpha amylase employed is of commercial origin, commonly used in the brewing industry, characterized by its easy accessibility and lower environmental impact compared to chemical hydrolysis methods. The results demonstrated that the combination of microalgae biomass with the enzyme preparation led to the production of several compounds of interest, such as highly active enzymes, mainly protease (560 U/mL), catalase (3381 U/mL), and peroxidase (277 U/mL), as well as other compounds, such as glycerol (32.5 g/L) and acetic acid (22.8 g/L). These products have wide industrial applications and a strong market demand, reinforcing the potential of the yeast–microalgae synergy for the sustainable production of high-value biocompounds, which represents a matrix of environmentally friendly products. Full article

The present study evaluated the impact of precision feeding using Electronic Sow Feeders (ESFs) during lactation on the nutritional status of Iberian sows and the performance of their offspring under intensive farming conditions. Fifty-three second-parity Iberian sows were assigned to three feeding systems: ESFs (PF), feeding ball (FB), and conventional feeders (CON). Results showed that PF sows had a significantly lower feed disappearance, without affecting body weight and condition, when compared to FB and CON groups (p < 0.05). Although milk yield did not differ significantly among groups, PF piglets exhibited higher weaning weights and average daily weight gains (ADWG), particularly during the second half of lactation (p < 0.05 and p < 0.001, respectively). Metabolic profiling revealed an improved glucose and lipid homeostasis in PF sows, with lower Non-Esterified Fatty Acids (NEFAs) levels and more favorable cholesterol profiles (p < 0.05 for all). No remarkable differences were observed in welfare biomarkers (salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase) among treatments. These findings suggest that precision feeding enhances feed efficiency, stabilizes maternal metabolism, and improves piglet growth in traditional swine breeds (“fatty pigs”) like the Iberian pig, offering a sustainable strategy for intensifying production without compromising animal welfare. Full article

Objectives: This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated whether salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase levels differ between patients with anorexia nervosa (AN) and healthy controls. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Scopus for relevant studies published up to December 2024. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated using a random-effects model. Statistical heterogeneity was assessed using Cochran’s Q and the I² statistic. Results: Data on salivary alpha-amylase were extracted from six studies including 218 patients with AN and 220 healthy controls. No significant group difference was observed (SMD = −0.48; 95% CI, −1.05 to 0.10; I² = 86%), though sensitivity analysis indicated significantly lower levels in AN (SMD = −1.12; 95% CI, −2.16 to −0.09; I² = 82%). Salivary cortisol was assessed in 24 reports from 17 studies (517 patients with AN, 672 controls), revealing significantly higher levels in AN (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI, 0.54–0.85; I² = 30%). Sensitivity analyses showed stable effect sizes. Meta-regression indicated that neither age nor body mass index significantly moderated the results. Conclusions: Salivary cortisol may serve as a reliable, noninvasive biomarker for AN, with potential utility in early identification and prevention of disease progression. Full article

Background: Acute pancreatitis is a significant global disease. This study investigated the phytochemical composition and potential protective effects of Equisetum arvense L. (horsetail) ethanol extract and Olea europaea L. (olive leaves) aqueous extract against metronidazole (MTZ)-induced pancreatic damage in rats. Materials and Methods: Rats were randomly divided into six groups: Group I (control) received saline; Group II (Metronidazole) received only MTZ (400 mg/kg). Group III (Equisetum arvense group) received E. arvense 100 mg/kg. Group IV (Olea europaea) received 400 mg/kg of O. europaea. Group V (MTZ + E. arvense) received both MTZ (400 mg/kg) and E. arvense (100 mg/kg). Group VI (MTZ + O. europaea) received MTZ (400 mg/kg) and O. europaea (400 mg/kg). All treatments were delivered daily via the oral route. After 60 days, serum amylase, lipase, protease, and glucose levels, oxidative parameters “malondialdehyde (MDA), catalase (CAT), mRNA relative expression of pancreatic Pik3ca (phosphatidylinosi-tol-4,5-bisphosphate 3-kinase, catalytic subunit alpha), AKT (AKT Serine/Threonine Kinase 1), Nrf-2 (Nuclear factor, erythroid 2-like 2), TNFα (tumor necrosis factor alpha), and IL-1β (interleukin-1 beta genes, an apoptotic marker “caspase-3,” and histopathological changes were estimated. Results: HPLC analysis revealed that horsetail extract contained caffeic acid, catechin, rutin, and kaempferol, while olive leaf extract was dominated by oleuropein. MTZ administration significantly elevated serum levels of pancreatic enzymes (lipase, amylase, and protease) and glucose and increased oxidative stress markers, such as MDA, while reducing catalase (CAT) activity. Co-treatment with MTZ and horsetail, or MTZ and olive extracts, mitigated these effects, especially horsetail, which restored CAT levels and reduced MDA concentrations. qPCR analysis showed MTZ upregulated inflammatory genes (TNFα, IL-1β) and downregulated antioxidant and survival-related genes (Pik3ca, AKT, Nrf-2). Horsetail co-treatment significantly reversed these gene expression patterns. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses confirmed MTZ-induced pancreatic tissue degeneration and increased cleaved caspase-3 expression, both of which were notably alleviated by horsetail extract. Conclusions: These findings highlight the superior protective efficacy of Equisetum arvense over Olea europaea in ameliorating MTZ-induced pancreatic toxicity, potentially through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. Full article

We present the cloning and heterologous expression of the α-amylase gene amyBL159 from a thermophilic strain Bacillus licheniformis MGMM159, which was isolated from wastewater sediments self-heated to 70 °C. The gene was successfully cloned into the pET22b and pHT01 vectors, expressed and AmyBL159_Ec and AmyBL159_Bs recombinant α-amylases were purified from Escherichia coli BL21(DE3)pLys and Bacillus subtilis 168 strains, respectively. The AmyBL159_Ec enzyme was most active in the range of 75–95 °C, while AmyBL159_Bs showed maximum activity at temperatures from 45 to 75 °C. AmyBL159_Bs was shown to be more thermostable. Both enzymes were active over a broad pH range of 4.0–12.0. It was shown that Mn²⁺ ions enhanced the activity of both enzymes (up to 163% for AmyBL159_Ec and 142% for AmyBL159_Bs). These results highlight the importance of choosing an expression system for modulating the functional characteristics of recombinant α-amylase. The obtained AmyBL159_Ec and AmyBL159_Bs enzymes are promising for biotechnological applications under extreme conditions. The structure of the α-amylase was generated using the AlphaFold 3 web service. A structure–function analysis of this enzyme and previously studied α-amylases from B. licheniformis identified significant amino acid substitutions at positions 134(133) and 210(209) of the amino acid chain which may contribute to enhanced enzyme thermostability. Full article

The interaction between human salivary alpha-amylase (HSAmy) and amylase-binding oral streptococci (ABS) helps determine the bacteria that colonize the oral cavity by establishing dental biofilms. Streptococci are important pioneer species of the oral cavity and influence oral health as well as common diseases such as dental caries. Various oral streptococcal species express distinct amylase-binding proteins, among which amylase-binding protein A (AbpA), encoded by the abpA gene in Streptococcus gordonii and several other species, which is the most extensively studied. Amylase binding facilitates microbial adhesion to host surfaces and biofilm formation and enables bacteria to harness the host’s amylase enzymatic activity at their cell surface, enhancing their capacity to metabolize dietary starch for nutritional gain. Additionally, amylase binding may also influence bacterial cell division and stress tolerance by engaging novel bacterial signaling pathways. From an evolutionary perspective, both Neanderthals and modern humans exhibit functional adaptations in nutrient metabolism, including selection for salivary amylase-binding oral streptococci, highlighting the importance of microbial co-adaptation in response to host diet. Further research is warranted to elucidate the broader roles of amylase binding to bacteria in host-bacterial signaling, bacterial cell division and fitness and the evolutionary trajectory of the oral microbiome. Full article

The escalating global prevalence of obesity underscores the need for effective and sustainable nutritional interventions. Functional foods, especially white kidney beans (Phaseolus vulgaris), show a promising avenue to link fundamental biochemical insights with clinically feasible interventions, supporting their potential as an adjunct dietary strategy for managing and preventing obesity. This review critically examines the mechanistic roles of white kidney bean in weight regulation, which includes suppression of starch digestion, attenuation of postprandial glycemia, modulation of appetite and satiety, and hypolipidemic effects. Clinical and preclinical evidence supports the potential of white kidney bean as a nutraceutical for metabolic health, demonstrating consistent reductions in body fat mass, glycemic excursion, and overall weight. Nevertheless, significant limitations persist, including heterogeneity in trial designs, absence of dose standardization, and inadequate long-term safety assessments. Furthermore, this review addresses food fortification, advancements in supplement formulation, and cooking techniques that enhance both consumer acceptability and the bioactivity of white kidney bean (WKB), along with the significance of regulatory standards to ensure safety and quality. Future research should integrate clinical, molecular and food technology methods to improve the translation of experimental findings into precision nutritional strategies for obesity management. Full article

This study explores the design, synthesis and preliminary in silico screening of novel thiadiazole-isatin hybrid derivatives targeting diabetes mellitus. Building on thiadiazole and isatin compounds’ demonstrated antidiabetic potential, the research objectives were to design and synthesize thiadiazole-isatin hybrids and evaluate their antidiabetic potential. The methodology encompassed a literature review, computational screening using “molecular docking, ADME prediction, Lipinski’s rule”, and the synthesis of thiadiazole intermediates from thiosemicarbazide combined with isatin derivatives. The key findings revealed that compounds 2a and 2b exhibit favorable binding affinity with “human aldose reductase, monoglyceride lipase, GLP-1, and alpha-amylase”, satisfying Lipinski’s rule for optimal drug likeness. Docking scores ranged from −10.6 to −7.0 for 2a and −10.2 to −7.0 for 2b. Thiadiazole-isatin derivatives, particularly 2a and 2b, demonstrate promise as antidiabetic agents through multi-enzyme inhibition, warranting pre-clinical and in vitro validation. This research offers a novel therapeutic strategy for diabetes management and potential pharmaceutical lead compounds. Future directions include experimental validation, in vitro and in vivo efficacy studies, and structure–activity relationship exploration, contributing to innovative antidiabetic therapies. Full article

The increasing incidence of metabolic disorders, including diabetes, as well as diseases related to gluten sensitivity, has increased the demand for healthier foods, particularly those with both a low glycemic index and that are gluten-free. However, baked goods of this type of product generally do not have good physical properties. In the present study, specific moisture content maximized studied properties: specific volume, hardness, stickiness and adhesiveness. In addition, small variations in the moisture content of the mini pizzas made from cassava starch modified by alpha amylase and Ca lactate caused the physical parameters studied to vary significantly. On the other hand, strong positive and negative correlations were found between moisture content and the studied physical parameters. Thus, moisture content could be a determining factor in studied pizza’s physical properties and can be a predictor of these properties. The objective of this study was to evaluate the physical properties of a gluten-free, low-glycemic-index mini-pizza made from modified cassava starch with alpha amylase and Ca lactate. Cassava of the INIAP 651 variety grown in Manabí, Ecuador, was used. The starch was extracted, sun-dried, and subsequently modified with alpha-amylase (6 U/g) and Ca lactate (6 mg/g). Water, oil, egg, and salt were added to the resulting modified starch to prepare mini-pizza doughs, which were tested at different moisture levels (39.5, 40.5, 41.5, 42.5, and 43.5%) to evaluate their expansive and textural properties. The evaluation results of the pizza at specific volumes (0.954–1.313 mL/g) showed that the highest value was obtained at 39.5% moisture content. However, the hardness (12.654–23.498 N), stickiness (−0.347–−0.246 N), and adhesiveness (−1.328–−1.547 N·mm) determined the lowest values at 43.5% moisture content. Positive correlations were found between moisture content vs. specific volume, as well as between specific volume vs. stickiness. Likewise, negative correlations were found between moisture content vs. specific volume, hardness and stickiness, as well as between specific volume vs. stickiness. Thus, moisture content could be a determining factor in pizza’s physical properties and can be a predictor of certain properties such as specific volume, hardness, stickiness and adhesiveness. Full article